INSIDEWESTERN WAAPA AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

Official newsletter of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University (Issue 55) October 2019

HUGH JACKMAN receives top honour

HELPMANN AWARD winners Composer wins 2019 BAFTA

PLUS Awards, prizes and NEW scholarships

Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Page 1 HELPMANN JACKMAN HONOURS RECEIVES ORDER FIVE WAAPA GRADUATES WIN OF AUSTRALIA’S TOP PERFORMING On Friday 13 September, Hugh Jackman received his medal as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) at an investiture ceremony at ARTS AWARD Government House in Canberra. The Hollywood and Broadway actor and singer was recognised in ongratulations to five WAAPA graduates who won 2019 the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June for “eminent service to the , announced at two black-tie events held on performing arts as an acclaimed actor and performer, and to the global July 14 and 15 at Arts Centre . C community, particularly as an advocate for poverty eradication”. The Helpmann Awards recognise distinguished artistic achievement The star of and X-Men is a global adviser to the Global and excellence across Australia’s live performing arts. Poverty Project, a World Vision ambassador and launched the Laughing WELCOME… Under artistic director Eamon Flack, Sydney’s Belvoir theatre company Man Coffee Company in 2011. garnered a massive 13 Helpmann Awards, including Best New Jackman’s philanthropic efforts also include work with the Fight Cancer In the short time I’ve been at WAAPA, I’ve been Australian Work and Best for Counting and Cracking and Best Foundation and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. hugely impressed by what I’ve seen: the students Musical for Barbara & the Dogs. “Mr Jackman’s distinguished career, his compassion and his heartfelt are so accomplished, so skilled and confident, and Flack, who graduated from WAAPA’s Acting course in 2003, won Best patriotism have brought great credit to Australia and he is deserving of the staff are incredibly dedicated to providing the Direction of a Play with S. Shakthidharan forCounting and Cracking. our highest praise,” the Governor-General’s secretary Paul Singer said. best performing arts training possible. Tim Minchin, a 1998 Contemporary Music graduate, took out the Jackman, who graduated from WAAPA’s Acting course in 1994, is I am extremely excited about helping to enhance award for Best Australian Contemporary Concert for Back. After touring currently on his 2019 world tour performing hit songs from The WAAPA’s profile, especially internationally, so that Australia and New Zealand earlier this year, the show is touring the UK Greatest Showman, Les Miserables and The Boy from Oz. we are recognised worldwide for the outstanding until November. Jackman said he was “very honoured and very humbled” to be awarded training opportunities we provide. Hugely respected 2008 Acting alumnus Brent Hill won Best Male Actor in a Musical for his nationally, it is now time for WAAPA to enter the Australia’s highest civilian honour and thanked his family and the role as Dewey Finn in School of Rock the Musical. international stage and claim its place as one of the people who had supported him. Ursula Yovich, a 1996 graduate from the Aboriginal Performance course, world’s pre-eminent centres for performer training “The countless teachers, mentors, institutions who have supported was awarded Best Female Actor in a Musical for her role as Barbara and innovative research practice. me along the way are immeasurable, and I will always be in my and, with Alana Valentine and Adm Ventura, Best Original Score for There’s something extraordinary about the creative country’s debt.” Belvoir’s Barbara & the Camp Dogs. energy and the dynamic synergies at WAAPA – I look Hugh Jackman with His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) All four dancers nominated in the Best Female Dancer category were Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia forward to celebrating and proclaiming the work WAAPA graduates, with Tara Jade Samaya taking line honours from Photo by Irene Dowdy, idphoto.com.au of our students and graduates at every possible Carina Roberts (WA Ballet’s Dracula), Charmene Yap (Sydney Dance opportunity. Company’s Cinco) and Ashley McLellan (Dancenorth’s Dust). Samaya was named Best Female Dancer in a Ballet, Dance or Physical Theatre Production for her work in Chunky Move’sCommon Ground. BEST OFF BROADWAY “Carmel Dean’s melodies make the poetry The score consists of many of St. Vincent soar,” wrote The New York Times of the Millay’s poems set to music by Dean, original new musical, Renascence, which including the title work, an epic poem that Professor David Shirley premiered Off Broadway in New York City provides a 20-minute musical opus for the Executive Dean late last year. show’s finale. WAAPA, Edith Cowan University Dean, a 1999 WAAPA Music graduate, In 2001, after working on the 2000 Sydney wrote the score for Renascence, which won Olympic Games Opening and Closing the 2019 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Ceremonies, Dean was awarded a Fulbright Best New Musical. Scholarship that took her to New York MUSIC GRADUATE Above from left: Brent Hill and Ursula Yovich. University to complete a Master of Fine Arts Left: Eamon Flack with S. Shakthidharan. “It was such an honor to receive this award, CARMEL DEAN Photos by Rocket Weijers as there are so many new and exciting in Writing. musicals that are produced every season, Since then, Dean has worked on the SCORES OFF- and to be included in and recognized as a Broadway musicals , Hands BROADWAY AWARD part of this community is a great privilege, on a Hardbody, The 25th Annual Putnam especially as someone coming from the County Spelling Bee, and was musical other side of the planet!” emailed Dean director/conductor of If/Then, starring from New York. American music theatre star Idina Menzel. If you would prefer to receive an electronic version of “Renascence is the story of the Pulitzer Dean performed with Green Day and the Inside WAAPA or wish to unsubscribe, please email Prize-winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, cast of American Idiot at the Grammy [email protected] or visit the WAAPA website. a young woman from rural Maine who was Awards in 2010. waapa.ecu.edu.au defiant, brave and brilliant.”

Page 2 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Page 3 NIGHT MUSIC MAGIC JAZZ SAXOPHONE RELEASE EARNS RAVE REVIEWS

WAAPA’s Coordinator of Jazz Studies Dr Oehlers wrote much of Night Music Dr Jamie Oehlers released his new as part of his WAAPA PhD thesis that album Night Music earlier this year to explores the interaction of melody within rave reviews. improvisation. He intends to use the Nikos Fotakis in AustralianJazz.net wrote: findings of his research to teach jazz “By now we have established that Jamie musicians to be better improvisers. Oehlers is a national treasure, one of our “I’ve always wanted to find a unique most important jazz saxophonists, soloists, approach to improvising, seeing as though composers, improvisers and educators. the majority of what we do as jazz artists Anyone needing further proof of that is making it up, so to speak,” he explains. should look no further than his latest “I have a really deep interest in how that album, Night Music… Oehlers presents occurs, in finding out how much is made yet another collection of memorable up and how much is determined by what tunes, delivered with passion, urgency we practice.” and vigour.” He describeds how his PhD explores ways A graduate of WAAPA and Boston’s Berklee of creating melodies outside of the normal College of Music, the internationally UK OPPORTUNITY pathways taught to jazz musicians, which acclaimed saxophonist recorded is usually related to scales and chords. JOINT ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS WILL ENABLE TWO CLASSICAL MUSIC Night Moves with four fellow WAAPA “It doesn’t mean that it creates music STUDENTS TO FURTHER THEIR STUDIES IN THE UK alumni: Ricki Malet on trumpet, Harry that’s totally abstract and unrecognisable, Mitchell on keys, Zac Grafton on bass it’s just a different approach to creating it.” Through Edith Cowan University’s ongoing research, and is the recipient of Times Sicari, who graduated from the RNCM in and Ben Vanderwal on drums. partnership with one of the world’s Higher Education Awards for Excellence 2018, said: “The RNCM is known for its leading conservatoires, WAAPA’s Classical and Innovation in the Arts (2015) and friendliness and welcoming nature; this is Music students now have the opportunity Outstanding International Student Strategy absolutely true and it made such an impact to broaden their horizons through (2016), and a Global Teaching Excellence on my time there. The people I met inspired substantial scholarships for overseas Spotlight Award (2018). me and I learnt many important lessons postgraduate studies. “The RNCM has enjoyed a strong from the teachers and guest artists who WAAPA and the Royal Northern College relationship with WAAPA for a number visited the College.” of Music (RNCM) are providing joint of years, and I am thrilled that we are One of these teachers is renowned English scholarships, worth £10,000 (A$18,600) developing this further through two soprano, Professor Lynne Dawson, Head of GUILDHALL GOLD each, to enable two of WAAPA’s graduating substantial joint scholarships alongside the School of Vocal Studies and at classical music students to undertake a smaller bursaries and opportunities for staff the RNCM. In May, Professor Dawson was oprano Samantha Clarke has won the This outstanding achievement, which the year of postgraduate study at the RNCM and student exchange,” said Professor Linda a visiting guest artist at WAAPA, holding a 2019 Guildhall School of Music Gold 2013 WAAPA graduate described as ‘the in Manchester. Merrick, RNCM Principal. series of inspirational masterclasses for the Medal, the school’s most prestigious best way to wrap up my conservatoire S Classical Vocal students. The inaugural scholarships will be awarded “International partnerships such as this form prize for outstanding soloists. training’, marks the end of Clarke’s time at the end of this year, with the recipients a significant part of conservatoire training, The ongoing relationship with the RNCM Since 1950, the London performing arts studying at the Guildhall with renowned commencing their postgraduate studies in enabling us to share best practice, explore is helping to strengthen WAAPA’s growing conservatoire has been awarding the prize soprano Yvonne Kenny AM. the UK in September 2020. collaborative projects and further enhance international profile as a world-class to singers and instrumentalists in alternate Before attending Guildhall, Clarke This initiative is part of an ongoing the student experience.” music conservatoire. years, with previous winners such as bass- completed an Advanced Postgraduate collaboration between WAAPA and The high-calibre arts training provided by Professor David Shirley, Executive baritone Nathan Berg, violinist William Diploma and Intensive Masters of Music at the RNCM, following the signing of a the RNCM is renowned the world over and Dean of WAAPA, said: “Our continuing Primrose and cellist Jacqueline du Pré. the Royal Northern College of Music, under Memorandum of Understanding in 2017. has, for many years, been a highly sought- relationship with the RNCM and the This year’s final took place at Barbican the tutelage of Mary Plazas, where she Since then, both institutions have been after postgraduate destination for WAAPA’s unique opportunities afforded by the Hall before a distinguished panel of judges was awarded that institution’s Gold Medal engaged in building collaborative research Classical Vocal graduates. joint scholarship scheme represents a including Sir Bryn Terfel, a Guildhall alumnus in 2017. and joint performance opportunities, as WAAPA graduate Daniella Sicari applied very exciting phase in the development of who won the Gold Medal in 1989. Clarke, who is now represented by the well as placements and exchanges for staff to the RNCM for postgraduate training the partnership between WAAPA and the Clarke commented: “I was in total disbelief internationally renowned arts management and students. because of the range of performance RNCM. I am delighted with this wonderful when I heard my name read out, but I am company Askonas Holt, performed the lead The RNCM is a leading international opportunities on offer: self-devised initiative and I very much look forward to completely buzzing and over the moon to role in the world premiere of Georgiana at conservatoire that boasts around 320 lunch-time recitals, opera scenes, opera further collaborations in the future.” have won the Gold Medal. What an honour! the Buxton International Festival in July and teaching staff and over 800 students from production auditions, and external opera For more information please email debuted as Musetta in La Bohème for Opera “I felt very privileged to be performing on company residencies and mentorships. . North in October. 60 countries. In 2014, the RNCM was [email protected] the Barbican stage and the support from rated the UK’s leading music college for the audience was so encouraging.”

Page 4 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Page 5 WINNING SOUNDS AWARD-WINNING COMPOSER MATT MCLEAN

ENJOYS BEING A ‘JACK OF ALL TRADES’

omposer, sound engineer and important and influential forms of niche electronic production or how to do some IW: What is it like working with producer Matt Mclean was part of music informed and helped my composition simple live sound engineering – they Tame Impala? The Composition degree was Cthe team that won a 2019 BAFTA process greatly. Stuart James, my principal all feed in and inform my practice as a MM: I’ve been working with Tame Impala a real turning point in my “ Games Award and an Australian Game study teacher, was also invaluable in composer and vice versa. I strongly believe for around two years now in an audio studies, as the freedom to Developer Award for the interactive video providing workplace and educational being a ‘jack of all trades’ and constantly backline tech role. It’s an incredibly “ express individuality was highly game, Florence. opportunities after I graduated. self-learning is vital to working in a fluid and challenging and often daunting prospect to Rumu, for which he composed the original IW: What did you enjoy most about your ever-changing industry. jump in and work with a team of truly top- encouraged and nurtured. sound track (OST), also won an Australian time at WAAPA? I’ve also been thoroughly enjoying my tier professionals, but it’s fantastic to work Game Developer Award this year. MM: Meeting and working with other role as a lecturer and tutor in audio and with people whom you can constantly learn Graduating from WAAPA a decade composers and creating a strong and lasting electronic production at Murdoch University, from and aspire to. This year we headlined ago with an Advanced Diploma in professional network. I also enjoyed the as well as guest lectures at WAAPA and SAE. Coachella, Glastonbury, and had sold-out Contemporary Music (Keyboard) and a healthy level of competition and inspiration IW: You were part of the development shows in New York's Madison Square Bachelor of Music in Composition and from the other students, being constantly team that won a 2019 BAFTA Games Garden and London's 02 Arena, as well as a Music Technology, Mclean combines amazed by the quality of work, as well as Award for the interactive video string of festival dates around the world. FILM FESTIVAL his skills in composition and sound the chance to publicly showcase your work game, Florence … IW: What’s next for you? engineering under the alias feeding | ear. throughout the course and engage in cross- MM: I mixed the OST and mastered the MM: I’ve got a few more weeks touring AMBASSADORS McLean also performs live with electronic/ disciplinary work. in-game sound track of Florence, which with Tame Impala, and am in the process of alt pop ensemble, Lilt, and tours as a stage IW: Is there one facet of your career that was composed by another Composition looking for my next game project, working WAAPA Acting graduates Sophia Forrest, technician with internationally acclaimed you enjoy more than the others or do they graduate Kevin Penkin. He’s not only a truly on this upcoming anime and seeing what Alex Williams and Travis Jeffery were the act, Tame Impala. provide a good balance for each other? amazing world-class composer but also a comes up next! ambassadors for this year’s CinefestOZ Film Festival, held from August 28 to September 1 Here he talks to IW about all things sound: MM: Becoming a composer was my end close friend, collaborator and mentor. The IW: What advice would you give to OST was recorded in Perth and performed in WA’s South West region. IW: How did your WAAPA studies help set goal when returning to WAAPA, so to be recent graduates? finally working on a professional level and by WAAPA graduates. We’ve worked CinefestOZ Chair Helen Shervington said: you up for your career? MM: Give people your time, throw yourself also receiving some accolades as a video together on several games and animes in “Having WA-trained gems like Sophia, Alex MM: The Composition degree was a in the deep end, ask for opportunities and game composer has been fantastic. various roles, and have some upcoming and Travis at the forefront of CinefestOZ is real turning point in my studies, as the try to always be a friendly, enthusiastic works including a new anime series which I a testament to the incredible growth and freedom to express individuality was I see all forms of work in the industry as person to work with and just do your best – am really excited about contributing to! burgeoning talent within film highly encouraged and nurtured, and entwined; whether it’s learning studio these traits will open doors for you. Sophia Forrest industry.” the exposure to a breadth of historically techniques and operation, mixing, Sophia graduated from WAAPA in 2016 and went on to tour internationally with the theatre productions Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Coriolanus. Her film credits include Rachel Griffiths’ Ride Like a Girl, which screened at the festival, Reaching the Distance and Aquaman. Since graduating from WAAPA in 2011, Williams has appeared in Underground: The Julian Assange Story, Paper Planes, Never Alex Williams Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS, Underbelly Files: Chopper and The Heights. Jeffery, who graduated in 2012, has logged numerous credits including Kriv Stenders’ Danger Close: The Battle Of Long Tan, The Heights, season four of the AMC series The Preacher, Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken and Disney’s Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. More than 150 films were showcased at CinefestOZ 2019, including 15 world, 11 Australian and 53 WA premieres. Travis Jeffery

Page 6 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Page 7 ROSE ON THE RISE YIRRA rom humble beginnings busking on “In addition to learning valuable YAAKIN’S Perth’s streets, singer, songwriter and musicianship skills, I also formed a network NEW Fproducer Blake Rose is being touted as of friends at WAAPA who have had a the next big thing on the music scene. significant impact on my career… WAAPA LEADER In May, US pop superstar Taylor Swift puts you in an environment where you are included Rose’s second single Lost on her completely surrounded by like-minded and personal Apple Music playlist. With Swift’s incredibly talented people, so progress seal of approval, Lost raced past 6.5 million is inevitable.” streams, firmly planting Rose as potentially Rose’s advice to aspiring singer/songwriters WA’s biggest pop export since Troye Sivan. is simple: write lots of songs. The 2016 Diploma of Music (Contemporary) “Seems obvious but there are a lot of graduate, who taught himself guitar at singers out there who aren’t writing or age 14, records in a bedroom studio at his aren’t writing enough,” he says. parent’s Booragoon home. “I used to do covers and that was okay for Last year, Rose signed with top US a bit but as soon as I began to see some Performance piece of 'So Speaks the Land' at the Parodos Festival with WAAPA lecturer Simon Stewart at right. independent music publisher, Kobalt Music traction from it, I realised that very quickly BLAKE ROSE Group and LA-based manager, Brandon you start to be seen as a cover artist and it’s Goodman, who is known for guiding the hard to shake. If that’s what you’re going for CANADIAN HEADS TO LA TO career of chart-topping international star long term then that’s cool but I think a lot of PURSUE HIS MUSIC Billie Eilish. people use it as a platform. COLLABORATION In April, Rose released his single Best of Me, “I took a step back from that and instead DREAM about the project. Dr Shannon and a song written for a friend who battled drug focussed on writing and production. As soon An exciting collaboration between Eva Grace Mullaley, who graduated Associate Professor Lewis will co-author addiction. He’s now planning a permanent as my songs starting getting good, that’s WAAPA and Ryerson University in from WAAPA’s Aboriginal Performance a research journal article about the move to the US; while he waits for his when everything changed for me – all of a Toronto culminated in six WAAPA course in 2003, was appointed artistic project’s outcomes. visa, he will continue writing music and sudden I started getting in the ‘right rooms’ students and staff travelling to Canada director of Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company releasing songs. and meeting the ‘right people’. Everything in June to present the world premiere “It was wonderful to witness the in April. of an original theatre piece. Canadian and Australian students share Rose maintains that studying at WAAPA starts from a good song so in my opinion, Mullaley has enjoyed a long association their life experiences and stories of played a crucial role in what he’s achieved that’s where you should put your focus.” So Speaks the Land, which examines with the company, since being an assistant race with each other,” said Associate so far. issues of identity, migration and to the then artistic director David Milroy diversity, was performed at the Professor Lewis. “They bonded on his play, Windmill Baby. multicultural Parodos Festival, hosted through the rehearsal process and She went on to direct her own plays, by Ryerson’s School of Performance created a profound piece of theatre and has worked around Australia as an from June 13-16. which provoked great discussions with associate artist, administrator, stage WAAPA Acting students Kaya-Marley the audience.” manager, tour manager, producer, event WINNING WINTER SUITE Jarrett, Domino McCathrion and Darius During the Q&A sessions conducted manager, actor, dramaturge, lecturer and Williams performed So Speaks the after the shows, audience members Music Honours student Callum O’Reilly the sound of the orchestra and the concert workshop collaborator. Land with Blessing Adedijo and Pablo described how they identified bested a strong national field to scoop hall atmosphere which makes me feel Mullaley, a Widi woman from the Yamatji Ogunlesi from Ryerson’s Acting course. with the material and commended the 2019 Willoughby Symphony Young at home.” nation in the mid-west of WA, returned WAAPA’s Aboriginal Performance the performances for being to Perth to take up the Yirra Yaakin Composer of the Year Award. Winter Suite for Solo Trumpet and lecturer Simon Stewart, who provided sensitively realised. appointment after three years in Hobart In addition to $5000 prize money, O’Reilly Orchestra was inspired by 70s jazz, hip-hop, cultural information and support on the “These were profound encounters, with and Melbourne. had his work Winter Suite for Solo Trumpet minimalism and classical music. Its three project, was also in the cast. many audience members sharing their and Orchestra premiered in June by sections represent O’Reilly’s three favourite During that time, she established The new work was written by American responses to race and identity after the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra in aspects of winter: wind through leaves, rain Blackfulla Performing Arts Alliance in playwright Dr Velina Hasu Houston, being moved by the stories they saw Sydney, with the performance recorded for and warmth from friends. Tasmania as an umbrella organisation for based on the biographical stories of on stage.” future broadcast. people working in Aboriginal performing O’Reilly was one of four composers to take its cast. It was directed by WAAPA’s ‘So Speaks the Land’ is part of The arts, and completed her Masters in The 22-year-old emerging composer beat part in the West Australian Symphony Associate Dean of Performance, Crossing Borders Project, a creative creative writing at the Victorian College 18 composers to take home the top prize. Orchestra’s Composition Project in 2018. In Associate Professor Andrew Lewis, research endeavour funded by grants of the Arts. “I’m excited and humbled to have been addition to writing his Honours thesis and produced by Dr Peggy Shannon, from the Partnership for Change: RBC “Yirra Yaakin has, for years, been my selected from such a strong field across at WAAPA, he co-arranged music by The Chair of the School of Performance Immigrant, Diversity, and Inclusion cornerstone of theatrical integrity and Australia,” he said after winning the award. Doors for the Perth Symphony Orchestra at Ryerson. concert in August, Love Him Madly: The Project, and Ryerson International community engagement. I look forward to “I knew for sure that I wanted to compose Bachelor of Performance Making Doors Reimagined. Experiential Learning Initiative Fund, continuing such an inspirational legacy and orchestral music after listening to Mahler’s graduate Jessica Russell, currently with Ethics Approval by Ryerson building on the shoulders of those who 2nd Symphony. There is something about undertaking her Masters at the WA University and Edith Cowan University. came before me to lead Yirra Yaakin into a Screen Academy, travelled with the new era,” says Mullaley. WAAPA group to make a documentary

Page 8 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Page 9 BACKSTAGE TAKES WORLD STAGE PRODUCTION & DESIGN STUDENTS CREATE COLLABORATIVE INSTALLATION FOR INTERNATIONAL A COMPOSING FESTIVAL

Eleven of WAAPA’s Production & Design students travelled to Prague FELLOW in June as part of a collaborative project between Australia’s top three performing arts institutions for the 2019 Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space. MUSICIAN JOSTEN MYBURGH The Quadrennial, which this year ran from June 6-16 at the Prague WINS PRESTIGIOUS Exhibition Grounds, is the world’s largest international festival of COMPOSITION FELLOWSHIP theatre and performance design, attracting approximately 180,000 visitors from 78 countries. Design and Costume students from WAAPA, the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) and the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) s the recipient of the 2019 Myburgh's Fellowship study tour began in Sydney, performing in various settings with created an installation representing the three Australian institutions Schenberg Music Fellowship in June at the California Institute of the Arts their new project, Mahagonny. for the Student Section of the Quadrennial’s Scenography Festival. AComposition, WAAPA PhD candidate (CalArts), where he undertook a month- In September, Myburgh participated in the The WAAPA students – four designers, four costumiers, two stage Josten Myburgh has embarked on a six- long mentorship with California-based Australian Art Orchestra’s Creative Music managers and a Props & Scenery student – travelled to the Czech month study tour, working with renowned guitarist and composer Michael Pisaro. Intensive, held in Tarraleah in Tasmania. Republic with Leaf Watson, WAAPA’s Coordinator of Design, and artists in electro-acoustic music making “I am deeply inspired by Pisaro’s ethics This annual 10-day residency offers lectures wardrobe assistant Megan Parker to install the exhibit and attend the and creative sound recording in Australia and attitude towards music, as well and workshops with master musicians from Quadrennial’s performances, exhibitions, workshops and lectures. and overseas. as the aesthetics of his work and the Arnhem Land and Seoul, along with some of This is the third time a WAAPA Design contingent has attended the The Fellowship, worth $30,000, is awarded compositional processes it involves,” the most influential improvising musicians Quadrennial, following trips in 2011 and 2015. However, this year to a talented WA tertiary student or recent Myburgh explains. on the Australian scene. marked the first national collaborative installation. graduate for the opportunity to further “His writing on the materiality of sound, “It’s been a dream of mine, to study with their studies in composition. The process began with a creative development phase in July last year, and how this can be related to as a listener, Yolngu musicians,” says Myburgh. with a design concept agreed on by the end of the year. Myburgh has also been awarded an has had vast consequences on my own The young composer is spending the month Ian Potter Cultural Trust grant and understandings of sound’s ontology and has Entitled Swag, the installation invited its audience to experience "the of October at the Melbourne Electronic a Department of Local Government, profoundly influenced my music, perhaps ambivalence of the Australian dream… Lie down on our hand-worked Sound Studio (MESS), extending his practice Sports and Cultural Industries creative more so than any other composer.” patchwork quilt of backyard textures under an Australian evening sky of composing with synthesizers. He will also development grant. and look up into fragments of childhood memory floating above.” Myburg was also involved as a performer collaborate with Melbourne’s experimental, The 25-year-old composer writes music for and composer in the Dog Star Orchestra improvised and new music artists. In first semester this year, the WAAPA students embarked on the instruments and electronics, and performs Festival of Experimental Music, an annual construction phase to create an immersive environment which Myburgh’s final trip takes him to South improvised music on saxophone, drums event held every summer in Los Angeles. explored and reflected the Aussie backyard. To achieve this, the Africa in November to participate in the and laptop. He is part of the management students used an abstract blending of sourced, constructed While in North America, Myburgh Sonic Mmabolela workshop, directed of the label Tone List, the Perth-based objects and surface treatments to create a textural understory for performed concerts in New York and by leading field recordists and musique label for exploratory music, and curates the installation. Montreal before heading to Arles in France concrete composers Francisco Lopez and their annual Audible Edge Festival and the to participate in the five-day Phonurgia Barbara Ellison. On June 3, the three components of the installation arrived in Prague Sounding Together mentorship/residency. Nova radio art summer school, directed by from Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, ready for installation on June 5 “It has been and continues to be a great He also works for Tura New Music on their leading radio artist Alessandro Bosetti. before the first official day of the Quadrennial. privilege to spend so much time learning improvised music and festival programming, This was followed by a week in Germany from mentors, from people around “The installation day was the first time we had seen each institution’s and lectures at WAAPA. developing and recording new improvised me, from new places and ecologies,” contribution, other than images and plans shared towards the “Josten is one of the most gifted composers works with Emilio Gordoa, Improviser in says Myburgh. conclusion of the construction phase,” explains Leaf Watson. that we have had in the Composition and Residence for the 2019 Moers Festival. “To be making music constantly is also a “We were very excited about the opportunities for international Music Technology course,” said course Myburgh has worked with the Mexican great joy: given that there is relatively little exposure this event provided, meeting students, educators and coordinator Dr Lindsay Vickery. composer, vibraphonist and percussionist infrastructure for experimental music- practitioners from all over the world.” “During his time at WAAPA he set up very on numerous projects since they met in making in Perth, I’m cherishing the myriad Funds to support staff and student travel and accommodation was successful collaborative concerts featuring Berlin in early 2015. opportunities to play in new contexts. obtained via the Endeavour Leadership Program. work from ECU and UWA Composition Myburgh and Gordoa then toured with “I’m also thinking excitedly about home, students, and has, in a short period of time, performance artist Lena Czerniawska and and the new ways of making music I gone on to become one of the prime- percussionist Michael McNab to Perth, can bring to encounters with my friends movers in the Perth new music scene.” Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra and Design elements from WAAPA's contribution to the Prague Quarennial by our once I return.” Production & Design students

Page 10 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Page 11 HISTORICAL INSTRUMENT EXPERTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD GATHER AT MOUNT VERNON

HARPSICHORD CONNECTIONS

RESTORING OUR rofessor Geoffrey Lancaster AM, of late 18th and early 19th century keyboard comprised solo repertoire from the library who facilitated the procurement instruments,” says Professor Lancaster. of Nelly Custis and the closing recital MUSICAL HERITAGE Pof the Stewart Symonds Keyboard “As a researcher here at WAAPA, I had the featured songs and chamber music that Instrument Collection for ECU/WAAPA, good fortune to spend time with John last would have been performed for the The First Fleet piano, part of ECU/WAAPA’s and using animal glue (Coad’s will be was invited to present a paper at an year seeking data on the instruments in Washingtons in their home. Founding Pianos collection, was flown to made from fish). Fortunately, the ebony international harpsichord symposium held the Colonial Williamsburg collection that Professor Lancaster describes how his the UK earlier this year for restoration. and ivory of the keys are intact. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon were made by Thomas Culliford, who was a participation in the symposium has not estate in Virginia on August 3. Regarded as one of Australia’s most “I’m really excited about restoring the First master maker of harpsichords, spinets and only strengthened WAAPA’s ties with th significant musical instruments, the piano Fleet square piano and forging a link with Located 20 kilometres south of Washington pianos in London in the late 18 century.” George Washington’s Mount Vernon, but left Britain more than 230 years ago Australia on this project,” said Coad. DC, the Mount Vernon mansion is home Professor Lancaster was researching also forged relationships with many of the to a Longman & Broderip harpsichord internationally renowned attendees. onboard HMS Sirius, the flagship of the “Edith Cowan University understands the material for his 2018 book, Culliford, Rolfe that George Washington acquired in 1793 First Fleet, bound for Australia. It arrived importance and the need for preserving and Barrow: A Tale of Ten Pianos, and was “These esteemed curators and instrument for his step-granddaughter, 14-year-old at Botany Bay on 26 January 1788 after these early instruments for both historic invited to present a paper on Culliford in makers are very interested in the Eleanor ‘Nelly’ Custis. eight months at sea. interests and for teaching purposes at the Mount Vernon symposium. developments that are taking place here In 2016, the Frederick Beck square the university.” Harpsichord maker John Watson, recently Other experts at the symposium included at WAAPA in relation to historical keyboard retired from his role as conservator and art, and are keen to be involved in whatever piano was donated to ECU by Sydney With only a handful of global experts Englishman Michael Cole, an internationally curator of musical instruments at Colonial way they can be to aid us in our long- collector Stewart Symonds, along with still practising the dying art of keyboard acclaimed expert in the development of Williamsburg in Virginia, has spent the last th term plans.” 139 other historical keyboard instruments restoration, ECU’s Founding Pianos project the piano in the late 18 century, who two and a half years creating a working that now form one of the world’s most is committed to offering scholarships presented a paper entitled Ladies at the Another outcome of the symposium is replica of this famous harpsicord. significant collections of 18th and 19th and training programs to link Australian Keyboard; and Laurence Libin, the now an offer from Thomas Strange, one of century pianos. students with European piano restorers. The symposium, The Keyboard in retired curator of the musical instrument the world’s greatest historical keyboard Washington’s America: Celebrating Mount collection at the New York Metropolitan instrument makers and restorers, to make The First Fleet piano is being restored by In addition, this year ECU launched the Vernon’s Harpsichord and its Reproduction, Museum of Art, who gave a talk on a replica of one of the rarest instruments internationally renowned square piano world’s first PhD program devoted to was held to celebrate both instruments, keyboard instruments as aspirational goods in WAAPA’s collection. expert, Lucy Coad. keyboard instrument restoration, which old and new. in American homes from the end of the 18th Over the next 10 months, Coad will strip will research and document current “We live in the very real expectation century through to the mid-19th century. the instrument down, replace lost parts methods of maintaining the vitality of “John Watson gave a fascinating paper on that we’ll be able to commission and put the piano back together in her these precious instruments. a subject that is very close to WAAPA’s The symposium was bookended by two him to undertake this work,” says heart, that is the philosophies and the concerts performed on John Watson’s Professor Lancaster. Bath workshop. The First Fleet piano will return to practices associated with making replicas replica harpsichord. The opening concert The painstaking restoration work involves Australia next year, in time for the 250th Coad using materials that are as true to anniversary of Beethoven’s birth and the the original as possible, such as sourcing 250th anniversary of Captain Cook setting leather tanned using the same methods foot on Australian soil. as employed by 18th-century craftspeople

Page 12 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Page 13 NEW THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR KEYBOARD JOINING WAAPA’S FRIENDS BRINGS MANY BENEFITS SCHOLARSHIP or more than 35 years, the Friends of “An exciting initiative that the Friends While the Friends’ annual membership Applications are now open for a new the Academy have provided support supported financially last year was the fee provides the basis of this financial $100,000 scholarship in historical for WAAPA’s talented students on inaugural Acting Showcase trip to Los assistance, it is boosted by fundraising keyboard performance. F their journey towards a successful career in Angeles,” said Kevin Button, President of activities such as hosting behind-the-scenes The Simon Lee Foundation Scholarship will the arts. the Friends of the Academy. tours of the Academy, and providing food enable a gifted and committed commencing “The Friends of the Academy provide “We were delighted to hear how well the and drink at WAAPA’s annual Open Day. student studying a Bachelor of Music in

remarkable support for WAAPA and its Showcase was received and how this Throughout the year, the Friends host Classical Performance (Instrumental) at students,” says Professor David Shirley, helped launch the graduating actors into special ‘Friends Events’ with complimentary

WAAPA to study all facets of historical WAAPA’s Executive Dean. their professional careers.” refreshments after selected WAAPA keyboard performance. “Their loyalty, dedication and support performances. These events provide In addition to studying a common core of “ on many levels prove invaluable in All of us at WAAPA are members with a unique opportunity to history and theory, the recipient will follow a enabling the next generation of musicians, hugely indebted to the meet and chat with the cast, crew and staff. specialised performance-based curriculum in Paul Tunzi (left) at Buckingham Palace with David Winston, the piano technician responsible for maintaining the Erard performers, designers and technicians. Friends and we are Friends of the Academy also receive grand piano made for Queen Victoria. their chosen area. Photo used with permission of Royal Collection Trust ©️Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II All of us at WAAPA are hugely indebted “very grateful indeed for significant membership discounts While it is envisioned that the successful to the Friends and we are very grateful everything that they do and preferential bookings to all candidate would come from a background indeed for everything that they do for us.” WAAPA performances. in modern piano, they would be required INSTRUMENTAL MOVES Grants provided by the Friends are used The Friends also provide annual grants “The Friends realise how important it is to display a flair for and a keen interest in across all disciplines at WAAPA, particularly to assist with the running of LINK Dance to stay relevant and up to date,” said historically-informed performance practice. Paul Tunzi, WAAPA’s piano tuner for over 30 years, is the recipient of the inaugural to supplement travel and accommodation Company, WAAPA’s pre-professional Kevin. “So we’re always thinking of new ECU Vice Chancellor’s Founding Pianos Masters Scholarship. The Simon Lee Scholar will study under expenses for final year students dance company, and for the Aboriginal ways to improve our communications with This will allow the Perth-based master piano technician to document the the guidance of an existing core team of undertaking work experience secondments Performance program. members such as video clips and student restoration of the First Fleet piano (see story page 12) for his Master of Arts. He experts and will have access to national in Australia and overseas. In addition to providing grants, the Friends interviews on our website.” and international visiting artists of the will also continue to develop skills and resources collaboration with historical The friends also help fund the annual of the Academy purchase much-needed If you would like to become a Friend of highest calibre. keyboard experts around the world. Showcase tour that allows the final equipment and musical instruments, from the Academy and support the stars of This latest scholarship follows on from the work Tunzi achieved after being The scholarship is four years in duration, with year Music Theatre and Acting students lighting hoists for the theatres and high- tomorrow, please ring (08) 9370 6895 or go a Churchill Fellow in 2017. He spent three months investigating advanced each year being worth $20,000 ($80,000). A to demonstrate their talent to agents, tech portable sound and lighting desks to to: friendsoftheacademy.org.au conservation techniques and the maintenance of historical keyboard instruments further $20,000 will be allocated in the final directors and producers in Sydney electronic keyboards and drum kits, among Friends of the Academy enjoy a Lifetime Membership luncheon in the UK and Europe. two years to enable the recipient to study and Melbourne. many others. held in July in The Edith Spiegeltent. keyboard in Europe. Here Tunzi shares the extraordinary opportunities he experienced while undertaking his Churchill Fellowship: Applications close on 1 December, 2019. For more information: “My research took me to the ‘motherlands’ of keyboard instrument development [email protected] and production: Italy, Vienna and London – all representing important keyboard milestones, from the invention of the piano in Florence to the popularisation of the domestic English square piano. One of the highlights of my journey was the chance to view the gold Érard grand piano built for Queen Victoria housed in Buckingham Palace, seen in the background of the Queen’s 2018 Christmas message. The Churchill Fellowship opened for me the most important venues and access to priceless keyboard instruments and the pre-eminent experts that would not normally be accessible. This gave me the privilege of touching the very instruments once owned or played by Bach, Handel, Hayden, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt and Brahms. I was also able to experience the manufacturing processes of new fortepianos and harpsichords, and how these instruments are duplicated as close to the original instrument. This allows the musician to play on an instrument suitable for regular use rather than adding any additional wear to priceless original instruments. On my return to Perth I received many letters of support from venues including Buckingham Palace, The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, and Laboratorio di Restauro del Fortepiano in Florence. My aim is to develop a restoration program that will link Australian technicians with world-leading artisans and to capture the rare art of fine restoration, and forward these skills on to the next generation.” Photo by Kathy Wheatley

Page 14 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Page 15 AWARDS & PRIZES BENDAT BENEFICIARIES Cate Creedon and Alexander Griffin have been named as the recipients of the inaugural Bendat Excellence Scholarships. Creedon is a Bachelor of Arts (Arts Management) student while Griffin is studying an Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services. Presented in May by Laura Machlin, daughter of Jack Bendat, and Professor David Shirley, Executive Dean of WAAPA, the scholarships recognise talented 2nd Year students from DANCE HONOURS WAAPA’s Arts Management and Production & Design courses. Six WAAPA dancers took out honours Beatrice Manser named as runner WAAPA thanks the Bendat family for their generous support and commitment to the future at this year’s Royal Academy of Dance up. Ada Sayasane and Brent Carson of the performing arts. From left: Laura Machlin, Cate Creedon, Alexander Griffin and WAAPA Executive Dean Professor David Shirley (RAD) WA’s Festival of Dance, held received a commendation for the from May 30 to June 3 at John Curtin Linley Wilson Award. College of the Arts in Fremantle. This year the Festival was WARNOCK AWARD More than 400 young dancers adjudicated by David McAllister In June, Music Theatre student Emily Wood was awarded the prestigious Bill Warnock from ballet schools across Perth AM, Artistic Director of The Scholarship. The award was announced at the conclusion of the preview performance of competed in the festival, which is a Australian Ballet, as part of a team WAAPA’s mid-year musical Strictly Ballroom at the Regal Theatre. springboard for WA’s aspiring and of industry professionals that also nd pre-professional dancers. included Aurélien Scannella, Artistic The scholarship, awarded to the most promising 2 Year Music Theatre student, honours the late Bill Warnock’s love of WAAPA performances and his passion for the WA performing WAAPA dance student Portia Secker Director of West Australian Ballet. arts community. won the Pre-Professional Award The festival finished with a gala while Brandon Hardie took out the performance on the final evening The award was presented by Bill’s wife, Diana Warnock AM, with Bill’s daughter Kylie 16+ Contemporary Award. Maddison on WA Day, which featured guest Warnock and his granddaughter Greer Dalrymple. Carr was the recipient of the Lynley performances by the West Australian WAAPA thanks the Warnock family for their generous support of the Bill Warnock Award. From left: Diana Warnock AM, Emily Wood, Kylie Warnock and Greer Dalrymple. Wilson Artistic Scholarship, with Ballet and WAAPA’s Dance students.

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE On July 30, WAAPA’s graduating Acting students performed their favourite Portia Secker, winner of the RAD Pre-Professional Award Shakespearian text in the Roundhouse Theatre as they competed for the annual Vice Chancellor’s Shakespeare Awards. Jessica Veitch won Best Performance by an Actor (Female) for her work as Viola in Twelfth CLASSICAL MUSIC AWARDS Night and Hamish White won Best Performance by an Actor (Male) as Richard III from Six of WAAPA’s leading final year Classical Music students performed a concert of Richard III. Both students took home $3,000 each. dazzling showpieces as they competed for the inaugural Richard Gill Award on August 13. For the first time, a People’s Choice Award was presented. The inaugural winners Named in honour of one of Australia’s pre-eminent and most admired music educators were Lachlan Stevenson and Hamish White who won over the audience – and $2,000 and conductors, the award concert was attended by Richard’s widow Maureen and prizemoney – with their scene from Richard III. daughter Claire, who had flown from Sydney to Perth for the event. 2019 Vice Chancellor's Shakespeare Award winners with ECU WAAPA thanks ECU Vice Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman CBE for his generous support Vice Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman CBE The students performed on the Richard Gill Auditorium stage next to Marek Szyler’s of these awards. magnificent painting of Richard, who was Dean of Classical Music at WAAPA from 1985 to 1990. Xiao Song Liu (piano), Sean Hayes (saxophone), Daniel Price (violin), Alessia Pintabona (voice), Ewan Potter (bass trombone) and Pavan Kumar Hari (vibraphone) all performed CABARET KUDOS magnificently, as WAAPA and its students celebrated Richard’s astonishing life and works. 3rd Year Music Theatre students Conor Neylon and Jackson Peele have won the 2019 Julie At the conclusion of the concert, Maureen Gill presented the new award to Michael Award in Musical Cabaret for their self-devised piece, The Beep Test. Pavan Kumar Hari. The annual award, worth $1,500, is presented to the WAAPA student (or team) who writes “I feel extremely honoured to have won this award, and grateful for being able to and delivers the best musical cabaret piece at a gala performance night. perform in such a beautiful, meaningful concert in commemoration of Richard Gill,” said Ruby Voss, a 2nd Year Music Theatre student, took out second prize of $500 for her piece, Pavan. “It was as if Richard himself was there, looking down on us.” Seat Filler. “Perhaps no other musician has had such a profound effect on music in Australia,” says The award was established in 2009 by the Government House Foundation to recognize Tim White, WAAPA’s Classical Music Coordinator. “Richard inspired literally thousands of the support that Julie Michael gave to nurturing and extending the cultural life of people to embark on professional careers in music. We are all grateful for the goodness Government House. and beauty that Richard brought to our lives, and WAAPA’s most prestigious classical This year’s cabaret pieces were adjudicated by Mark Coughlan, Chief Executive Officer of 2019 Julie Michael Award winners with the judging panel. music award is now named in his honour.” the WA Symphony Orchestra; WAAPA graduate and performer Thomas Papathanassiou; “As Richard would have said, ‘Music is good, and it’s all about love, joy, beauty, creativity actor Rebecca Davis; Michael Lavine and WAAPA's Executive Dean Professor David Shirley. and community’.” From left: Maureen Gill, Claire Gill, Classical Music Coordinator WAAPA thanks the Government House Foundation for their generous support of the Julie Tim White and Richard Gill Award winner Pavan Kumar Hari. WAAPA thanks Alan and Delys Newman for their generous support of the Richard Michael Award in Musical Cabaret. Gill Award.

Page 16 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Page 17 STUDENT TOURS EXPERT TRAINING RAISES BAR

During the mid-year break, students from WAAPA's jazz and dance courses travelled overseas to Integral to WAAPA’s performing arts training is giving students the opportunity to learn from extend their learning in an international setting. professionals at the top of their field. Here’s a snapshot of the visiting artists who have brought DANCE STUDENTS IN Here LINK dancer Giorgia Schijf recounts with dancers from Christine’s company their expertise to WAAPA over the past few months: her impressions of the tour: on a devised improvisation titled Packing the Berlin New Music Opera Award in say that the level of talent in the cast, and BEIJING “The LINK European tour was an and Unpacking that was performed in ACTING Fifteen dance students, accompanied 2017, worked at the Komische Oper Berlin the crew and the stage management is unforgettable, invaluable experience. a marketplace. by WAAPA’s Dance Coordinator Nanette under renowned Australian opera director exceptionally high,” he said. The tour began in with eight days The second collaboration involved Hassell, attended the 2019 Beijing Dance . rd in Montpellier, where we had the working with amateur dancers. This 3 Year Acting student Camila Ponte Festival, held from July 16-28. The festival opportunity to watch many dance was an unfamiliar experience for many Her many theatre credits include writing Alvaraz, who played Tybalt in Romeo & is one of the biggest celebrations of performances at the Montpellier Dans of us but we learnt a lot through this and directing the Sydney Theatre Juliet, said that working with Michael Jenn dance in China, attracting dance artists Festival. The highlight was Peeping Tom’s structured improvisation. Again, we felt Company’s 2018 world premiere of Still was ‘challenging but wonderful’. and students from around the world. The 32 rue Vandenbranden, one of the most a strong sense of community in dance at Point Turning: The Catherine McGregor “Michael respects you as your own artist. WAAPA students participated in six days influential, breathtaking works we had this festival, something many of us are Story. This October she directed another In our second year of training you’re guided of intensive training in contemporary ever seen. passionate about bringing back into the Australian STC premiere, White Pearl by through your process but as a final year dance styles by internationally renowned Anchuli Felicia King. We performed at Didier Theron’s studio, Australian dance scene. student you have to take responsibility for dance teachers. In the second week of the a place where many LINK dancers had For the remaining three weeks we “I was delighted to work with WAAPA your own work, and Michael gave us that festival, they attended performances by performed before us. Dancing in both embarked on our own solo travels to students on An Ideal Husband, and feel freedom. He pushed us and gave us the companies from across Asia and Europe. indoor and outdoor venues, and for a countries such as Italy, the Netherlands, very rewarded by the quality of the work space to be in charge of our own process variety of audiences from primary school England, Hungary, Germany, Denmark, Dr Cynthia Ashperger we achieved, and the depth of our creative and character.” children to adults, challenged us and Switzerland and Croatia, with some of the A specialist in the acting techniques of process across all aspects of the production, Michael Jenn’s visit to Perth was proudly helped us grow as performers. LINK dancers involved in dance workshops Michael Chekhov, Dr Cynthia Ashperger including acting, lighting, design and stage supported by the Minderoo Foundation as spent three weeks at WAAPA giving management,” said Jackman. The next stop was the city of Grenoble, such as the Henny Juriens workshops in part of WAAPA’s Visiting Artist program. masterclasses and tutorials for the Acting, located at the base of the French Alps. Amsterdam and the week-long Hofesh “I found the students exceptional, and have Music Theatre and Bachelor of Performing Our hotel was nestled in the mountains Shechter in Turin. recommended them widely – to colleagues Arts students. overlooking the beautiful French Overall it was an extremely memorable who I am currently working with at and National Theatre of countryside; we felt like we were in The experience that has helped us grow as Dr Ashperger, who is Professor of Parramatta. Sound of Music! It was definitely one of our dancers and performers. We have learnt Performance Acting at Ryerson University favourite parts of the whole tour. many valuable lessons that we can bring in Toronto, was impressed by the quality of “I hope to work with the students in years training at WAAPA: “It’s a very strong team We performed in the small town of Uriage, with us into our future careers.” to come, as they embark on their careers in here and everybody’s working towards just outside of Grenoble, as part of the the industry.” giving the students the best possible Uriage Dance Festival. We danced on an Priscilla Jackman’s visit to WAAPA was education they can get.” outdoor stage in a park with the mountains generously supported by the D’Arcy Slater as a backdrop to a beautiful community Foundation. of families and dancers from the area. We were privileged to have experienced this strong sense of community in dance in such a remote area, and witness the way Dr Peggy Shannon in which dance can bring people together “Everyone should see this production,” from all parts of the world. wrote Steven Cohen in Seesaw Magazine’s We then travelled to Paris to watch Pina 5-star May review of When the Rain Stops Bausch perform Bon Voyage Bob, another Falling by Andrew Bovell. “Not just for the impeccable performance and an honour melancholy yet uplifting story, but to rest LINK STUDENTS IN to witness. Thank you to Michael Whaites their minds that the future of theatre is in and his connections with the Pina Bausch exceptional hands.” EUROPE Company for allowing us to be a part of LINK Dance Company, WAAPA’s pre- Those ‘exceptional hands’ were the 3rd such a precious experience. professional dance company, embarked Year Acting students supported by WAAPA’s on their annual European tour at the Our last stop on the tour was Marseille, Priscilla Jackman Michael Jenn Production & Design students, under the again in the south of France, where we end of June. The company members, Sydney-based director Priscilla Jackman English actor and director Michael Jenn direction of Canadian visiting artist, Dr worked on our upcoming season accompanied by LINK Artistic Director In the was a guest artist at WAAPA in August to directed the 3rd Year Acting cohort in Peggy Shannon. Dark and were involved in the Faites de Michael Whaites, participated in a study direct the 3rd Year Acting students in Oscar Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet for a week- Dr Shannon is Head of the School of la Danse Festival organised by French tour to Monpellier, Grenoble, Paris Wilde’s An Ideal Husband. long season at the Studio Underground, Performance at Ryerson University in choreographer Christine Fricker. and Marseille. The students performed, Jackman was the inaugural winner of the State Theatre Centre of WA in March. Toronto, Ontario. participated in masterclasses and We performed LINK repertoire in the ’s Sandra Bates Directing “WAAPA is without doubt the best of all the “DirectingWhen The Rain Stops Falling for festival, but were also involved in two workshops, and were able to see world- Award in 2016 and, as the recipient of institutions that I’ve worked at and I would WAAPA was like being handed an exquisite class dance performances. new projects. In the first, we collaborated

Page 18 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Page 19 gift,” said Dr Shannon. “The script is potent ARTS MANAGEMENT CLASSICAL Performing Arts and the following afternoon CLASSICAL VOICE experience, but was also incredibly helpful, and timely, and the actors are so incredibly at the Churchlands Senior High School encouraging and inspiring.” talented and hard working. The student INSTRUMENTAL Concert Hall. Fellow student Elena Marcello agreed: “I am design team was also extraordinary. Faculty Dragon, who graduated from WAAPA in grateful for the opportunity to have sung for and staff working with the students and 2012 with a Bachelor of Music, has recently someone whose knowledge as a teacher, with me directly on the production were all been appointed Music Director of the especially in the technique and language world class. Wyoming Symphony Orchestra and Resident aspects of singing, was of immediate benefit “The experience was simply wonderful from Conductor of the Colorado Symphony. Both in my practice. As a graduating student, start to finish. WAAPA is in a class of its appointments begin in the 2019/20 season. the chance to learn from Lynne was a own and I was thrilled to spend six weeks in fantastic eye-opener into the international residence with them.” opera world.” Dr Peggy Shannon’s visit to Perth was proudly supported by the Minderoo DANCE Foundation as part of WAAPA’s Visiting Artist program. Kenneth Watkins Richard Bonynge AC CBE In partnership with the West Australian In May, WAAPA’s Arts Management students Paul Cesarczyk Opera, WAAPA welcomed Richard Bonynge were given invaluable arts fundraising Thanks to the generous support of the AC CBE for a week of masterclasses, advice by visiting guest artist Kenneth WA Classical Guitar Society, Polish-born capped off by a gala concert in the Richard Watkins, Philanthropy Director at The American guitarist Paul Cesarczyk gave Gill Auditorium. Australian Ballet (AB). a concert in the Richard Gill Auditorium The legendary maestro inspired WAAPA’s Over his 25 years with the company, in August. Classical Vocal students with his wisdom, Watkins has worked to ensure the AB has Described as “an artist of uncommon advice, knowledge and experience, the resources to be one of the pre-eminent command and maturity, with a broad and Mike Cheng-Yu Lee singing tone”, Cesarczyk made his New York entrancing the students with stories of his ballet companies in the world. The ever-popular Moonlight and Pathétique City debut at the age of 17 at Carnegie Hall. career and life with Dame Joan Sutherland, In his presentation, the arts fundraising sonatas headlined a program of Beethoven Luciano Pavarotti, Marilyn Horne expert provided an overview of the Since then, he has built an international piano masterpieces performed in April by and others. fundraising and philanthropic achievements reputation as an exceptional soloist and visiting guest fortepianist, Mike Cheng- of the AB. He also covered key topics such outstanding educator. In particular, through Yu Lee. his role as Head of Classical Guitar at as structuring annual giving and major Lee, who is an award-winning performer Mahidol University’s College of Music in Dr Peter Zazzali gift programs, data mining, stewardship on historical pianos, played WAAPA’s Thailand, he plays an active role in the Visiting American director Dr Peter and fundraising. world-class 18th century replica Walter development of guitar playing in the South Zazzali created a high-energy, modern He described how the capacity to fundraise fortepiano in the newly christened Richard Asia region. retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the well is essential for all arts organisations, Gill Auditorium. Cesarczyk performed solo work and Shrew with the 2nd Year Acting students for regardless of size. Reviewing the concert for SeeSaw was joined by WAAPA’s Classical Guitar four performances in August at the Subiaco “Successful giving programs require Magazine, Sandra Bowdler wrote: Coordinator, Jonathan Paget, for duets on Arts Centre. persistence, dedication and determination,” “Charisma is a slippery thing, impossible 19th century guitars. A director, actor, teacher and published he said. to define, but you know it when you’re in Sasha Janes and Lauren Langlois scholar, Dr Zazzali was formerly Associate 2nd Year student Anastasia Beasley its presence. Mike Cheng-Yu Lee, dressed Professor of the Department of Theatre described how Watkins showed how simply and evincing nothing more than Choreographers Sasha Janes and Lauren at the University of Kansas and Artistic a gentle friendliness, stepped up to the Langlois were visiting artists at WAAPA for vital philanthropy is for Australian arts Professor Lynne Dawson Director of Kansas Repertory Theatre. In organisations. fortepiano and instantly had the audience the May dance season, Rise. In May, WAAPA welcomed Professor Lynne December, he is due to take up the position in the palm of his hand from beginning to The US-based Janes, who returned to his “His talk inspired a lot of Arts Management Dawson, Head of the School of Vocal of Head of Acting at the LASALLE College of end. Playing without a score throughout, hometown of Perth for the Rise season, has students to pursue philanthropy as a Studies and Opera at the Royal Northern the Arts in Singapore. his concentration was intense, and worked with the Charlotte Ballet in North career because he explained how impactful College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester, for “It was an absolute pleasure to collaborate the combination of familiar music and Carolina since 2003, for eight seasons as donations can be and how he’s built a week of tutorials and a masterclass for its nd somewhat unusual instrument made for a with WAAPA’s 2 Year students incredibly positive, lasting relationships with principal dancer and for the last decade as fresh and most rewarding experience.” final year Classical Vocal students. on The Taming of the Shrew,” said Dr his donors,” she said. the company’s Resident Choreographer. The internationally acclaimed English Zazzali. “The actors, stage management Mike Lee’s visit was generously supported Melbourne-based dancer and soprano was also able to reconnect with team, and designers alike were as adept by the Minderoo Foundation as part of choreographer Lauren Langlois was the a number of WAAPA graduates who have in their craft as they were gracious in WAAPA’s Visiting Artist Program. winner of a Green Room Award for Best completed postgraduate study at RNCM. their personhood.” Christopher Dragon Female Dancer in 2015 and the prestigious “We managed to revive a challenging Conductor Christopher Dragon returned “The opportunity to sing for an artist of Tanja Liedtke Fellowship in 2017. to his alma mater in May to conduct the such high calibre has been invaluable,” said play for our times by rethinking it with a Sasha Janes’ visit to Perth was proudly WAAPA Symphony Orchestra with trumpet Alessia Pintabona, one of four students contemporary sensibility. I couldn’t have supported by the Minderoo Foundation as virtuoso Brent Grapes in a thrilling concert invited to perform for Professor Dawson in been more proud of this inspiring group of part of WAAPA’s Visiting Artist program. young artists.” of Russian orchestral masterworks. the masterclass. Romantic Tchaikovsky was performed on “Lynne was not only able to offer great May 11 at All Saints’ College Centre for insight as a result of her knowledge and

Page 20 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Page 21 with an artist of Noonan’s calibre was an In addition to giving advice on vocal PRODUCTION & JAZZ & enlightening experience for the 40 students technique and health, vocal arranging and CONTEMPORARY who took part. industry advice, RAab also generously gave DESIGN “Katie’s direction to them was precise, the students free microphones, in-ear monitors, audio interfaces and t-shirts. encouraging and infused with creativity – which in turn filled the students with 2nd Year Music student Melissa Da Silva confidence and a sense of trust within their said: “He has ignited a new flame in me to team of performers. Katie’s presence drew chase what sets my soul on fire and to work a higher level of performance out of the hard to reach goals I’d never dreamed were students,” he said. possible…What an experience!” Daisy Fanning, a 4th Year Jazz Vocal student, WAAPA thanks Ayodele Hunter from Joy is agreed: “Katie Noonan’s work ethic and in the House School of Music for facilitating musical skill were inspiring. She brought a Troy Roberts RAab's visit to Perth. calm to the production process that helped New-York based saxophonist Troy Roberts everyone perform at their best level. Most returned to his alma mater in May to MUSIC THEATRE Sheryl Bailey of all, she was warm and approachable, conduct a free jazz masterclass. In August, WAAPA was delighted to host radiating good grace.” Since graduating from WAAPA in 2002 the incredibly talented American jazz 4th Year Jazz Saxophonist Max Wickham and completing a Masters degree at the guitarist, Sheryl Bailey for a workshop in described the experience as “a fantastic University of Miami, Roberts has garnered The Edith Spiegeltent. insight into the standard of musicianship a world-class reputation for his impeccable Bailey has performed and recorded with and professionalism required in jazz technique and improvisational skills. internationally renowned muscians such the industry.” The jazz saxophonist has two Grammy as Richard Bona, John Zorn, Irene Cara, While at WAAPA, Noonan also generously nominations under his belt and has David Krakauer's Ancestral Groove, and participated in a ‘Q&A’ masterclass, offering shared the stage and studio with musical George Garzone, among many others. invaluable knowledge into the current state luminaries such as Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Joey DeFrancesco, Christian Bailey, who is Professor and Assistant Chair of the jazz industry. McBride, Orrin Evans, and Dee Dee of Guitar at the famed Berklee College of “Katie’s roles as festival director, performer Bridgewater, among many others. James Browne and Music in Boston, performed and shared her and art ambassador allowed her to impress Troy Roberts’ visit was generously supported Trent Suidgeest knowledge with the students, staff and the upon the students the importance of by the Minderoo Foundation as part of Production & Design students were given broader jazz community of WA. developing their unique creative identities WAAPA’s Visiting Artist Program. the opportunity to train under set designer Sheryl Bailey’s visit was generously in order to stand out from the crowd and James Browne and Trent supported by the Minderoo Foundation as to pursue their careers with vigour, rather Suidgeest on WAAPA’s mid-year musical, part of WAAPA’s Visiting Artist Program. than waiting for a career to present itself,” Strictly Ballroom, which enjoyed a sold-out explained Oehlers. “Her advice on drawing season at the Regal Theatre in June. inspiration from other great artists of all Both designers are WAAPA alumni, with art forms, and especially her inclination to Niv Marinberg, Raewyn Hill and Browne graduating in 2001 and Suidgeest Scott Elstermann explore the work of other Australian artists, in 2008. was inspirational.” A choreographic line-up of local and Browne has designed for Sydney Theatre international talent created an impressive On her Facebook page after the event, Shaun Rennie and Michael Ralph Company, Sydney Dance Company, Jamie triple bill on WAAPA’s LINK Dance Company Noonan posted: Oliver’s live stadium show in Melbourne, The 3rd Year Music Theatre students gained for their May season, The Body Politic. “Last week I went to WAAPA… making music and Just for Laughs at the Sydney Opera the expertise of two visiting guest artists for The choreographers included Niv Marinberg, with an awesome bunch of legends … such House starring John Cleese, among their production of in August. former rehearsal director and tour manager a rad bunch of special young souls making many others. Director Shaun Rennie and award-winning beautiful notes. Thank you for bringing your for the Israeli dance ensemble L-E-V Robert ‘RAab’ Stevenson choreographer Michael Ralph created ‘a Suidgeest has established himself as one Company; Raewyn Hill, artistic director of hearts to my tunes and for sharing in the of Australia’s most sought-after young WAAPA partnered with Joy is in the House wonderfully energetic and even inspired magnificence of Lennon and McCartney… lighting designers. This year alone he has WA’s state flagship contemporary dance School of Music to bring renowned US vocal version’ of the classic Tony-Award-winning the future of jazz in Australia is bright.” worked on Muriel’s Wedding The Musical company, Co3 Australia; and 2014 WAAPA Katie Noonan coach Robert ‘RAab’ Stevenson to Perth for musical, according to reviewer Ron Banks. graduate Scott Elstermann, who last year and the encore season of Calamity Jane in In April, the much-loved Australian Katie Noonan’s visit to WAAPA was a week of masterclasses earlier this year. Rennie, who was the recipient of the 2017 became the first Australian recipient Melbourne, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice songstress Katie Noonan performed generously supported by Brigid and RAab is the vocal coach for high-profile Sandra Bates Directors Award at the of a Pina Bausch Fellowship for Dance for Darlinghurst Theatre Company in Sydney, three outstanding concerts with WAAPA’s Ronald W. Woss AM of the Woss Group performers such as Justin Timberlake, Ensemble Theatre, this year directed and Choreography. and the world premiere of Mimma The of Companies. Rihanna, Dave Matthews, Kelly Rowland, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, starring Jazz students. Musical in Perth. Nina Levy in Seesaw Magazine described Pharrell Williams and Kelly Clarkson, among Caroline O’Connor and WAAPA graduate The multi-award-winning singer/songwriter James Browne and Trent Suidgeest the performance as “a credit to LINK many others. Geraldine Hakewell, for The Darlinghurst performed the music of Lennon and were guest artists at WAAPA thanks Artistic Director Michael Whaites… the RAab conducted masterclasses with Theatre Company. McCartney, plus a selection of her own to the generous support of the pacy and engaging program showcases WAAPA’s Contemporary and Jazz vocalists, Michael Ralph is a rising young compositions, backed by WAAPA’s Jazz Minderoo Foundation. the considerable talents of this year’s choreographer, with credits including singers and instrumentalists. a choral workshop with the WAAPA Gospel LINK dancers.” Choir, and an evening public event that was Georgy Girl The Musical and West Side Story Jamie Oehlers, WAAPA’s Coordinator of Jazz, The LINK Dance Company then toured the attended by over 200 members of the Perth for The Production Company, who is sought described how rehearsing and performing show to France in the mid-year break. singing community. after for his dynamic, unique style.

Page 22 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Inside WAAPA Issue 55 Page 23 Thank you to our partners An Ideal Husband

Defying Gravity

Katie Noonan LINK Body Politic

Philanthropic Supporters Alan and Delys Newman Bass Family Foundation Bendat Family Foundation Bravo Donor Circle Brigid and Ronald W. Woss AM of the Woss Group of Companies D’Arcy Slater Foundation Estate of Barbara McLeod Radio Active Strictly Ballroom the Musical Estate of Jennifer Wright Feilman Foundation Haselhurst Family John and Margaret Winstanley Family Trust McClements Foundation McCusker Charitable Foundation Pay it Forward Foundation Royal Over-Seas League WA Branch Ungar Family Foundation

Founding Pianos Supporters and Patrons Carole Grant Consul-General to Hong Kong and Macau, Ms Michaela Browning Feilman Foundation In memory of John L Wilson John and Di Poynton John Finlay-Jones Taming of the Shrew Unleash McCusker Charitable Foundation Phil Thick and Paula Rogers Simon Lee Foundation Ungar Family Foundation Voyager Estate

on stage at WAAPA Cover Credits Front Cover Hugh Jackman, Photo By Irene Dowdy, idphoto.com.au Back Cover Photos by Stephen Heath An Ideal Husband, Strictly Ballroom and Taming of the Shrew, waapa.ecu.edu.au Photos by Jon Green

CRICOS IPC 00279B Page 24 Inside WAAPA Issue 55